California to Begin Collecting Electronics Recycling Fee

The fee, which ranges from $6 to $10 depending on screen size, will be assessed on most video display products, such as computer monitors and televisions. Californians purchasing such devices over the Internet or by catalog must also pay the appropriate fees. 

The collected fees will be deposited into an Electronic Waste Recovery and Recycling Account managed by the state’s Board of Equalization. Authorized recyclers and collectors of these devices will be paid from the account. 

The intent of the fee is to reduce or eliminate the costs associated with properly recycling electronics when they enter the waste stream. Unlike California’s bottle bill, consumers are not entitled to a refund of the fee when they return the products for recycling. 

In related news, California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control has adopted new emergency regulations adding plasma and liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions to the list of electronics covered by the law.